GOP considers potential Paton replacements

TUCSON – Republican officials are looking for candidates to replace former District 30 Sen. Jonathan Paton who resigned from office Feb. 22.

Paton is running against incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Republicans hope to have a slate of three replacements, selected by the precinct committeemen in the district, submitted to the Pima County Board of Supervisors for consideration at next Tuesday’s meeting.

The three potential candidates are Rep. Frank Antenori, former state Sen. Randy Graf and former state Rep. Bill McGibbon.

Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll, who represents the district, said he will support the No. 1 vote getter among the precinct committeemen.